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Joan Leishman Memorial Fund - PEN Canada
In memory of the journalist and humanitarian, the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund provides critical assistance and support to writers in exile.
pencanada.ca
We are proud to announce the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, a bold new initiative in support of writers living in exile in Canada.
Joan was a remarkable journalist, humanitarian, and a cherished mentor to our community. We hope you'll consider making a donation:
pencanada.ca/advocacy-aid...
Joan was a remarkable journalist, humanitarian, and a cherished mentor to our community. We hope you'll consider making a donation:
pencanada.ca/advocacy-aid...
United States: Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested late Thursday night on charges that he violated federal law during a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, his lawyer said, in a case rejected last week by a magistrate judge:
Federal Agents Arrest Don Lemon Over Minnesota Church Protest
The former CNN anchor has said he was not demonstrating, but reporting as a journalist, during the interruption of a service inside a St. Paul church earlier this month.
buff.ly
January 30, 2026 at 5:30 PM
United States: Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested late Thursday night on charges that he violated federal law during a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, his lawyer said, in a case rejected last week by a magistrate judge:
Here are the secret lists of banned books from Alberta's 2 largest school boards:
www.readtheorchard.org/p/here-are-t...
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Source: Jeremy Appel, The Orchard
www.readtheorchard.org/p/here-are-t...
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Source: Jeremy Appel, The Orchard
Here are the secret lists of banned books from Alberta's 2 largest school boards
The Calgary Board of Education removed 42 books from its libraries and the Edmonton Public School Board removed 33 in response to an order from Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides.
www.readtheorchard.org
January 30, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Here are the secret lists of banned books from Alberta's 2 largest school boards:
www.readtheorchard.org/p/here-are-t...
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Source: Jeremy Appel, The Orchard
www.readtheorchard.org/p/here-are-t...
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Source: Jeremy Appel, The Orchard
Yesterday, freedom for information requests revealed the lists of dozens books removed by two Alberta school boards.
The lists reveal that 42 titles were removed by one board, and 33 titles by the other.
Graphic novels are the focus of the full list of prohibited book: thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
The lists reveal that 42 titles were removed by one board, and 33 titles by the other.
Graphic novels are the focus of the full list of prohibited book: thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
Versions of ‘1984’ and ‘Book of Genesis’ Banned in Alberta Schools | The Tyee
Graphic novels are the focus of the full list of prohibited books, revealed through FOI.
thetyee.ca
January 30, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Yesterday, freedom for information requests revealed the lists of dozens books removed by two Alberta school boards.
The lists reveal that 42 titles were removed by one board, and 33 titles by the other.
Graphic novels are the focus of the full list of prohibited book: thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
The lists reveal that 42 titles were removed by one board, and 33 titles by the other.
Graphic novels are the focus of the full list of prohibited book: thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
Our friends at the International Issues Discussion Series invite you to its second talk of 2026, “What is a World Order?" with Dr. Margaret MacMillan.
Her talk will be held on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 pm in Toronto. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome:
iid.kislenko.com/what-is-a-wo...
Her talk will be held on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 pm in Toronto. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome:
iid.kislenko.com/what-is-a-wo...
January 29, 2026 at 7:08 PM
Our friends at the International Issues Discussion Series invite you to its second talk of 2026, “What is a World Order?" with Dr. Margaret MacMillan.
Her talk will be held on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 pm in Toronto. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome:
iid.kislenko.com/what-is-a-wo...
Her talk will be held on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:30 pm in Toronto. Attendance is free and everyone is welcome:
iid.kislenko.com/what-is-a-wo...
We invite you to explore an indispensable resource – PEN International’s handbook, A Guide to Defending Writers at Risk.
This manual is designed for PEN members, supporters and activists to plan and implement advocacy, campaigning, and media strategy in the fight for human rights.
buff.ly/XhkB8k0
This manual is designed for PEN members, supporters and activists to plan and implement advocacy, campaigning, and media strategy in the fight for human rights.
buff.ly/XhkB8k0
January 29, 2026 at 4:15 PM
We invite you to explore an indispensable resource – PEN International’s handbook, A Guide to Defending Writers at Risk.
This manual is designed for PEN members, supporters and activists to plan and implement advocacy, campaigning, and media strategy in the fight for human rights.
buff.ly/XhkB8k0
This manual is designed for PEN members, supporters and activists to plan and implement advocacy, campaigning, and media strategy in the fight for human rights.
buff.ly/XhkB8k0
Ottawa caved to the White House’s backlash against Canada’s Big Tech regulations in June 2025, when Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne cancelled a proposed digital service tax at Trump’s behest.
Now, Canada is weighing Trump’s reaction as it writes new online safety laws:
Now, Canada is weighing Trump’s reaction as it writes new online safety laws:
Canada is weighing Trump’s reaction as it writes new online safety laws, minister says - The Logic
Marc Miller is alive to the threat of trade retaliation, but says Ottawa will only bend so far to U.S. pressure on internet regulation
buff.ly
January 28, 2026 at 7:50 PM
Ottawa caved to the White House’s backlash against Canada’s Big Tech regulations in June 2025, when Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne cancelled a proposed digital service tax at Trump’s behest.
Now, Canada is weighing Trump’s reaction as it writes new online safety laws:
Now, Canada is weighing Trump’s reaction as it writes new online safety laws:
#Canada: Advocates of more federal transparency are concerned a federal review of the Access to Information regime will not fix long-standing problems, and that it could even make things worse:
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
Openness advocates unimpressed by early proposals for Access to Information reform
Advocates of more federal transparency are concerned a federal review of the Access to Information regime will not fix long-standing problems, and that it could even make things worse.
www.ctvnews.ca
January 28, 2026 at 5:28 PM
#Canada: Advocates of more federal transparency are concerned a federal review of the Access to Information regime will not fix long-standing problems, and that it could even make things worse:
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
As a journalist, Joan was determined to get at the truth of events shaping history.
She set up CBC Radio’s first bureau in South Africa, covering Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the genocide in Rwanda, and later became CBC bureau chief in Latin America:
pencanada.ca/news/pen-lau...
She set up CBC Radio’s first bureau in South Africa, covering Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the genocide in Rwanda, and later became CBC bureau chief in Latin America:
pencanada.ca/news/pen-lau...
PEN launches Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, creating opportunity and support for writers in exile - PEN Canada
The fund provides critical assistance to and creates opportunities for writers living in exile in Canada, including needs related to resettlement.
pencanada.ca
January 27, 2026 at 8:34 PM
As a journalist, Joan was determined to get at the truth of events shaping history.
She set up CBC Radio’s first bureau in South Africa, covering Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the genocide in Rwanda, and later became CBC bureau chief in Latin America:
pencanada.ca/news/pen-lau...
She set up CBC Radio’s first bureau in South Africa, covering Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the genocide in Rwanda, and later became CBC bureau chief in Latin America:
pencanada.ca/news/pen-lau...
We are proud to announce the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, a bold new initiative in support of writers living in exile in Canada.
Joan was a remarkable journalist, humanitarian, and a cherished mentor to our community. We hope you'll consider making a donation:
pencanada.ca/advocacy-aid...
Joan was a remarkable journalist, humanitarian, and a cherished mentor to our community. We hope you'll consider making a donation:
pencanada.ca/advocacy-aid...
Joan Leishman Memorial Fund - PEN Canada
In memory of the journalist and humanitarian, the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund provides critical assistance and support to writers in exile.
pencanada.ca
January 27, 2026 at 7:04 PM
We are proud to announce the Joan Leishman Memorial Fund, a bold new initiative in support of writers living in exile in Canada.
Joan was a remarkable journalist, humanitarian, and a cherished mentor to our community. We hope you'll consider making a donation:
pencanada.ca/advocacy-aid...
Joan was a remarkable journalist, humanitarian, and a cherished mentor to our community. We hope you'll consider making a donation:
pencanada.ca/advocacy-aid...
Iranian writer, poet, and translator Ali Asadollahi has been violently arrested from his home by security forces.
His detention on undisclosed charges signals a worsening campaign of intimidation and violence against writers amid the state’s brutal crackdown on protestors:
pen.org/press-releas...
His detention on undisclosed charges signals a worsening campaign of intimidation and violence against writers amid the state’s brutal crackdown on protestors:
pen.org/press-releas...
Violent Arrest of Iranian Writer An Assault on Free Expression
Asadollahi's detention signals a worsening campaign of intimidation and violence against writers amid the state’s crackdown on protestors.
pen.org
January 27, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Iranian writer, poet, and translator Ali Asadollahi has been violently arrested from his home by security forces.
His detention on undisclosed charges signals a worsening campaign of intimidation and violence against writers amid the state’s brutal crackdown on protestors:
pen.org/press-releas...
His detention on undisclosed charges signals a worsening campaign of intimidation and violence against writers amid the state’s brutal crackdown on protestors:
pen.org/press-releas...
The Narges Foundation reports that security agents have raided and searched the home of Narges Mohammadi’s family in Mashhad, northeast Iran.
This raid comes amid escalating pressure on the family of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate:
narges.foundation/breaking-sec...
This raid comes amid escalating pressure on the family of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate:
narges.foundation/breaking-sec...
narges.foundation
January 22, 2026 at 10:09 PM
The Narges Foundation reports that security agents have raided and searched the home of Narges Mohammadi’s family in Mashhad, northeast Iran.
This raid comes amid escalating pressure on the family of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate:
narges.foundation/breaking-sec...
This raid comes amid escalating pressure on the family of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate:
narges.foundation/breaking-sec...
#IRAN: PEN strongly condemns the deadly crackdown on protests across the country, including the mass arbitrary detention and the unlawful use of force against peaceful protestors, and implementation of censorship and internet blackouts across the country:
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...
Iran: Authorities must end brutal crackdown on protests and internet shutdowns — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“We are horrified to see such a deadly response to people’s legitimate demands for better economic conditions. Iranian authorities have systematically stifled and repressed dissent over the years. We ...
www.pen-international.org
January 16, 2026 at 7:21 PM
#IRAN: PEN strongly condemns the deadly crackdown on protests across the country, including the mass arbitrary detention and the unlawful use of force against peaceful protestors, and implementation of censorship and internet blackouts across the country:
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...
www.pen-international.org/news/iran-au...
We are one of nearly 140 PEN centres, each defending the right to read, speak, write and think freely.
Connect with other centres from around the world: go.bsky.app/MhL7yQC
Connect with other centres from around the world: go.bsky.app/MhL7yQC
January 15, 2026 at 8:21 PM
We are one of nearly 140 PEN centres, each defending the right to read, speak, write and think freely.
Connect with other centres from around the world: go.bsky.app/MhL7yQC
Connect with other centres from around the world: go.bsky.app/MhL7yQC
This week, the trial began for photojournalist Amber Bracken, who is suing the RCMP for arresting her at a pipeline protest camp.
Narwhal co-founder and editor-in-chief Carol Linnitt says the trial is about holding police accountable for throwing journalists in jail:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Narwhal co-founder and editor-in-chief Carol Linnitt says the trial is about holding police accountable for throwing journalists in jail:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Trial begins for journalist suing RCMP for arrest at pipeline protest camp near Prince George, B.C. | CBC News
Photojournalist Amber Bracken and The Narwhal say RCMP violated Charter rights when they unlawfully arrested and detained Bracken at a Coastal GasLink pipeline protest camp on Wet’suwet’en territory i...
www.cbc.ca
January 15, 2026 at 8:12 PM
This week, the trial began for photojournalist Amber Bracken, who is suing the RCMP for arresting her at a pipeline protest camp.
Narwhal co-founder and editor-in-chief Carol Linnitt says the trial is about holding police accountable for throwing journalists in jail:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Narwhal co-founder and editor-in-chief Carol Linnitt says the trial is about holding police accountable for throwing journalists in jail:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Human-rights groups are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to raise the plight of Canadians imprisoned in China and Hong Kong when he meets President Xi Jinping, as well as the case of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who has multiple ties to Canada:
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Carney pressed to raise plight of imprisoned Canadians, Jimmy Lai in meeting with Xi
Prime Minister should call on China to release Uyghur Canadian Huseyin Celil and others during Beijing meeting, human rights groups say
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 15, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Human-rights groups are urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to raise the plight of Canadians imprisoned in China and Hong Kong when he meets President Xi Jinping, as well as the case of media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who has multiple ties to Canada:
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Reposted by PEN Canada
We are relieved to hear the news of our contributor Amanda Achanis's acquittal.
wordswithoutborders.org/read/article...
wordswithoutborders.org/read/article...
January 15, 2026 at 4:32 PM
We are relieved to hear the news of our contributor Amanda Achanis's acquittal.
wordswithoutborders.org/read/article...
wordswithoutborders.org/read/article...
PEN welcomes the acquittal of poet, writer, and activist Amanda Echanis.
A court in Tuguegarao City, Philippines cleared her of a charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives after she spent more than five years in detention: buff.ly/oAONZak
A court in Tuguegarao City, Philippines cleared her of a charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives after she spent more than five years in detention: buff.ly/oAONZak
Philippines: Writer and activist Amanda Echanis acquitted after five years of unjust detention — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“This acquittal confirms what Amanda Echanis has said from the beginning: the charge against her was baseless. Her case is a stark reminder of how red-tagging and fabricated charges continue to be…
www.pen-international.org
January 15, 2026 at 4:14 PM
PEN welcomes the acquittal of poet, writer, and activist Amanda Echanis.
A court in Tuguegarao City, Philippines cleared her of a charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives after she spent more than five years in detention: buff.ly/oAONZak
A court in Tuguegarao City, Philippines cleared her of a charge of illegal possession of firearms and explosives after she spent more than five years in detention: buff.ly/oAONZak
Reposted by PEN Canada
“Targeting a reporter in their own home as part of a federal law enforcement action is an extraordinary escalation that strikes at the heart of press freedom."
Read PEN America's statement on FBI’s search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home here: pen.org/press-releas...
Read PEN America's statement on FBI’s search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home here: pen.org/press-releas...
FBI Search of Washington Post Reporter's Home Strikes at Heart of Press Freedom
PEN America expressed alarm today over the FBI’s search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home, saying it “strikes at the heart of press freedom.” The Post reported that federal agents sei...
pen.org
January 14, 2026 at 4:19 PM
“Targeting a reporter in their own home as part of a federal law enforcement action is an extraordinary escalation that strikes at the heart of press freedom."
Read PEN America's statement on FBI’s search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home here: pen.org/press-releas...
Read PEN America's statement on FBI’s search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson’s home here: pen.org/press-releas...
As reports of mass arrests, killings, and violence continue to escalate, we stand in full solidarity with the people of Iran in their legitimate struggle for fundamental freedoms and democratic rights.
We urge the intl. community to take these urgent, concrete actions:
pen.org/press-releas...
We urge the intl. community to take these urgent, concrete actions:
pen.org/press-releas...
Iran’s Detainees At High Risk Amidst A Communications Blackout
Communications blackouts severely restrict access to independent reporting and sharing of essential and life-saving information.
pen.org
January 14, 2026 at 8:48 PM
As reports of mass arrests, killings, and violence continue to escalate, we stand in full solidarity with the people of Iran in their legitimate struggle for fundamental freedoms and democratic rights.
We urge the intl. community to take these urgent, concrete actions:
pen.org/press-releas...
We urge the intl. community to take these urgent, concrete actions:
pen.org/press-releas...
PEN International is deeply alarmed by further deterioration of press freedom in Venezuela.
This week a wave of arbitrary detentions, intimidation, surveillance and censorship included the detention of at least 14 journalists and media workers in Caracas:
www.pen-international.org/news/venezue...
This week a wave of arbitrary detentions, intimidation, surveillance and censorship included the detention of at least 14 journalists and media workers in Caracas:
www.pen-international.org/news/venezue...
Venezuela: PEN International calls for urgent guarantees for press freedom — PEN International | Promoting Literature & Defending Freedom of Expression Worldwide
“When journalists and writers are harassed, detained or deported for doing their work, the public’s right to information is undermined. PEN International condemns the arbitrary detention of journalist...
www.pen-international.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:36 PM
PEN International is deeply alarmed by further deterioration of press freedom in Venezuela.
This week a wave of arbitrary detentions, intimidation, surveillance and censorship included the detention of at least 14 journalists and media workers in Caracas:
www.pen-international.org/news/venezue...
This week a wave of arbitrary detentions, intimidation, surveillance and censorship included the detention of at least 14 journalists and media workers in Caracas:
www.pen-international.org/news/venezue...
Reposted by PEN Canada
This should be major news: literally dozens of book bans in Canada today, because of a ministerial order by Alberta's provincial government. The titles are being withheld by the school districts... I think Canadians have a right to know what books are being banned in our public schools.
Today, Alberta's two biggest school divisions say dozens of books have been taken off shelves as the province's ban took effect this week.
34 titles were removed by the Edmonton Public School Division, and 44 were removed by the Calgary Board of Education:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
34 titles were removed by the Edmonton Public School Division, and 44 were removed by the Calgary Board of Education:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Dozens of library books are removed from Alberta schools as new laws take effect
New policy requires schools to remove books containing explicit images or illustrations of sexual content
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:30 AM
This should be major news: literally dozens of book bans in Canada today, because of a ministerial order by Alberta's provincial government. The titles are being withheld by the school districts... I think Canadians have a right to know what books are being banned in our public schools.
Today, Alberta's two biggest school divisions say dozens of books have been taken off shelves as the province's ban took effect this week.
34 titles were removed by the Edmonton Public School Division, and 44 were removed by the Calgary Board of Education:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
34 titles were removed by the Edmonton Public School Division, and 44 were removed by the Calgary Board of Education:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Dozens of library books are removed from Alberta schools as new laws take effect
New policy requires schools to remove books containing explicit images or illustrations of sexual content
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 6, 2026 at 11:26 PM
Today, Alberta's two biggest school divisions say dozens of books have been taken off shelves as the province's ban took effect this week.
34 titles were removed by the Edmonton Public School Division, and 44 were removed by the Calgary Board of Education:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
34 titles were removed by the Edmonton Public School Division, and 44 were removed by the Calgary Board of Education:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
This fall, Ira Wells met with our PEN counterparts in Kyiv for a week-long series of expeditions sponsored by PEN Ukraine.
In Ukraine, he spoke with writers, human rights advocates, former prisoners of war, and ordinary Ukrainians suffering under Russian occupation:
thewalrus.ca/ukraines-war...
In Ukraine, he spoke with writers, human rights advocates, former prisoners of war, and ordinary Ukrainians suffering under Russian occupation:
thewalrus.ca/ukraines-war...
Ukraine’s War Is Producing a New Politics of Memory | The Walrus
Amid the destruction, Ukrainians are rapidly converting sites of violence into lasting national markers
thewalrus.ca
January 5, 2026 at 10:28 PM
This fall, Ira Wells met with our PEN counterparts in Kyiv for a week-long series of expeditions sponsored by PEN Ukraine.
In Ukraine, he spoke with writers, human rights advocates, former prisoners of war, and ordinary Ukrainians suffering under Russian occupation:
thewalrus.ca/ukraines-war...
In Ukraine, he spoke with writers, human rights advocates, former prisoners of war, and ordinary Ukrainians suffering under Russian occupation:
thewalrus.ca/ukraines-war...
"Receiving the prize was not just a personal milestone, but a moment that drew my attention away from myself and toward the deeper cause it represents," Diary Marif writes in his piece for Voices in Exile.
"It points to the story, the struggle, and the voice of Sherwan Sherwani."
buff.ly/2HSBnBM
"It points to the story, the struggle, and the voice of Sherwan Sherwani."
buff.ly/2HSBnBM
The Marie-Ange Garrigue Prize: Sherwan Sherwani’s Fight for Freedom — Voices in Exile
Diary Marif Vancouver-based Kurdish writer**
buff.ly
December 26, 2025 at 3:03 PM
"Receiving the prize was not just a personal milestone, but a moment that drew my attention away from myself and toward the deeper cause it represents," Diary Marif writes in his piece for Voices in Exile.
"It points to the story, the struggle, and the voice of Sherwan Sherwani."
buff.ly/2HSBnBM
"It points to the story, the struggle, and the voice of Sherwan Sherwani."
buff.ly/2HSBnBM
This holiday season, write a letter of solidarity to Jimmy Lai 💌
Last week, guilty verdicts were handed down in Hong Kong in the trial of the writer and newspaper publisher.
With his sentencing expected in January 2026, Lai, who recently turned 78, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Last week, guilty verdicts were handed down in Hong Kong in the trial of the writer and newspaper publisher.
With his sentencing expected in January 2026, Lai, who recently turned 78, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
December 23, 2025 at 3:15 PM
This holiday season, write a letter of solidarity to Jimmy Lai 💌
Last week, guilty verdicts were handed down in Hong Kong in the trial of the writer and newspaper publisher.
With his sentencing expected in January 2026, Lai, who recently turned 78, could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Last week, guilty verdicts were handed down in Hong Kong in the trial of the writer and newspaper publisher.
With his sentencing expected in January 2026, Lai, who recently turned 78, could spend the rest of his life in prison.